To Benjamin Franklin from William Carmichael, [before 23 January 1782]
From William Carmichael
ALS: American Philosophical Society
[before January 23, 1782]8
Dear Sir
You who know so well the public & private obligations we have to the Marquis de Yranda,9 would never pardon me, If I should suffer one of his family to pass thro’ Paris, without giving you an opportunity of convincing him of the sense you have of the obliging notice, it has taken of us here—But you would be Still more offended with me, After having been Informed of the Character of the Gentleman who delivers you this, Dr. Simon de Casas,1 If I had failed to give you the honor of his acquaintance. On other occasions I have made use of my credit with you to procure a good reception for others. In the present Instance I am paying my debts on this Score, and I am sure you will give me proper credit After having had an opportunity of knowing the Gentleman whom I have now the honor to present to your Acquaintance—
I am with the Sincerest regard Your Excellency’s Obliged & Most Humble Servant
Wm. Carmichael
His Excellency Benjamin Franklin
8. Written well before BF’s letter of that date (immediately below), which acknowledges (in its continuation of Jan. 25) that the present letter had just been delivered.
9. The banker of the American mission in Spain.
1. Probably Simón de Las Casas, the former Spanish chargé d’affaires in Vienna, who recently had been named envoy to Berlin; see Carmichael’s letter of March 3 and Repertorium der diplomatischen Vertreter, III, 430, 439.